TRUTH MATTERS… Donate to support excellence in student journalism
Batman is nothing without his bat suit, Superman is nothing without his red underwear, Harry Potter is nothing without his signature robe and Michael Myers is nothing without his white mask.
These iconic pieces are all made by the ones behind the scenes, the costume designers.
At Van Nuys High School, Isabel Rodriguez is the creative force crafting memorable looks.
Her love for costume design started eight years ago, and while she describes it as “completely by accident”, it seems that this path was almost made for her.
“As part of the theater program you’re required to take directing class, stage management class, costume class, light design, etc. so I took a costume class and enjoyed it,” she explained.
A proud alumna of Van Nuys High School, Rodriguez’s love for theater dates back to elementary school, where she originally stepped onto the stage as an actor and singer.
“I’ve done theater and the arts my whole life, since I was a little first grader,” she said.
Reflecting on her own high school experience, Rodriguez explained that she transferred during her sophomore year after facing challenges at her previous school. The move proved pivotal for her as the Theater Department provided her with a fresh start and a sense of belonging.
The support and encouragement from her peers and teachers gave her a sort of confidence and realization that pushed her toward her current career in costume design.
“I switched here because I was just so unhappy and was bullied,” she said. “Coming here to Van Nuys ended up being really special and vital to my life,” she said.
Rodriguez then enrolled at California State University Northridge (CSUN), pursuing a bachelor’s degree in theater.
At first she had no intention of stepping off the stage.
“I started as an actor,” she said. “I wanted to perform, I wanted to do shows.”
But it was during one of her mandatory tech classes that Rodriguez discovered her true passion, costume design.
“I tried it out and ended up connecting with it,” she added.
This newfound interest ignited her creativity and changed the trajectory of her career. Her experience at CSUN not only helped her explore the technical aspects of theater that many people don’t see, but it also deepened her understanding of the significance of costumes.
Rodriguez credits her mentor, CSUN Professor Paula Higgins, for guiding her into the world of costume design. Paula gave Rodriguez her first major opportunity as an assistant costume designer for an opera, which was a pivotal moment in her career.
Paula’s guidance was more than necessary in shaping her skills and building her confidence.
“She made me feel like I was capable and confident,” said Rodriguez.
Through her work in the CSUN costume department Rodriguez gained practical experience that allowed her to learn and master her craft.
“For me, costume design is not just about putting clothes on a person,” she explained. “The most important part of a costume is understanding the character wearing it. For example, you wouldn’t put Danny Zuko in a turtleneck and suspenders!”
Despite her passion for costume design Rodriguez is no stranger to the challenges that come with being in the theater industry.
“Burnout is real, and it’s something that I really struggle with,” Rodriguez said.
The fast paced nature of the work, plus the fact that costume designers often go unrecognized or completely overshadowed can lead to creative blocks and emotional fatigue.
To fight this Rodriguez has learned to prioritize her mental and emotional well being.
“Making time for friends and family is very big, as well as setting boundaries,” Rodriguez states.
Additionally, Rodriguez realizes the challenges faced by women of color in the entertainment industry.
Often she finds herself one of the few, if not the only person, of her background in a room.
This experience underscores her commitment to representation and the importance of amplifying diverse voices in theater and beyond
“It’s important that we, as people of color, and me, as a woman, take up space,” she said.
With this, she emphasizes the importance of self-care and boundaries, especially learning to say “no.”
“Learning that NO is a full sentence, goes for a lot of things,” she said
By taking care of herself, Rodriguez ensures that she remains passionate and creative in her work.
She began her journey in Van Nuys as a student and now she volunteers her time and expertise at the school aiding with the theater department.
Her love for the art and her want to support emerging artists drove her to commit to teaching and mentoring, just as Professor Paula Higgins did her.
“I remember how important it was to have an adult who mentored me and encouraged me to pursue my dreams,” she explained. “If I can be that person for even one person, it’s worth it.”
Her upcoming production of “The Haunting of Hill House” will be the ninth show she has designed for the WolfPack Theatre Company.
Rodriguez actively advocates for inclusivity in the arts, understanding that a diverse range of perspectives can help with storytelling and performances.
As she prepares for her next project Rodriguez continues to balance her very ambitious dreams with her commitment to mentoring the next generation of talented actors.
Through her work she inspires students to explore their passions and pursue their dreams within theater, just as she was encouraged to do.
“I couldn’t be more proud watching the growth and the journey of the students,” she said.
Her path, which consists of hard work, creativity and a deep love for the arts, serves as a testament to the power of mentorship and community in shaping an artist’s path.
In a world and an industry that often overlooks the contributions of costume designers Isabel Rodriguez’s passion and dedication ensures that the characters she helps create are memorable and impactful.
As she continues to evolve as a designer and mentor for the students there’s no doubt that Rodriguez will leave a lasting legacy, not only in Van Nuys but in the world of theater and beyond.
“I’m very proud of myself, my start and Van Nuys,” she said. “Still getting to be a part of it is, and always will be, so special.”
This article originally appeared in the Fall 2024 print edition.
